sunday splurge...

I'm going to start a fun new series on Sunday's that showcases a "splurge" item that I am loving lately... you know I am all about dressing on a budget, but there are times that call for a splurge or investment piece.  The older I get I realize that quality pieces that I invest in will be with me for longer... and will work to create a perfectly classic and modern wardrobe.

This Tucker top is absolutely gorgeous... it could for sure make a nice addition to my wardrobe...

Polka Dot Wide Smock Top, Tucker

birthday loot!

I got spoiled by my husband for my birthday... which is usually the case, but was even more so this year!  This guy is so sweet, he reads my blog and is great at taking a hint - but he goes out on a limb too and is so creative and thoughtful.  I feel like a super lucky gal!

I had dropped some serious hints about a Cambridge Satchel... he ordered a gorgeous (and very large!) one for me (and my laptop) and had it engraved with a "JGG" - what a guy!  The package only contained a photo of it, because these bad-boys are hand made in London-town (or somewhere in the UK) and shipped this way... they take some time.  And I'm willing to wait, friends.

Since I am a candy-freak, all gifts must include sweets.  These are my favorites... cinnamon bears (yes, I'm like a five year old) and dark chocolate malt balls (but I have taste!).  Yum.  Unfortunately, my kids usually eat more of my treats than I get to. Such is life.

Sweet guy also snagged three new Essie colors for me.  I mean, what!?!? Who is this guy? Going to Target and buying nail polish? He's a keeper, that's what he is.  And a note-taker.  (Colors are: Tart Deco, Merino Cool, Angora Cardi)

A fun new Kate Spade iPhone case!
I like letting the beauty of an iPhone shine... especially my pretty white one that I waited forever for.  But who wants a busted iPhone, not me!  How fun are the dots!?!? I'm in love.

Not only did he buy me nail polish... the boy hoofed it to F21 and picked up some fun new earrings and a feather necklace for me. I die.

get jelly!

These just *scream* summer to me... well, these plus an ice cream cone and a tan!  Summer is not over people... and aren't these a fun reminder?

(orange, yellow, red, turquoise)

what to wear: weekend!

Do you have any fun weekend plans? We've been flooded with rain lately so I am hoping for a sunny weekend with some outdoor time - both for me and my stir crazy kids.  And I'd like to catch up on some reading in the sun... the summer is only so long and I have lots more hours to log!

Also, I've been in a total jeans rut... (I have a hate/like-only-sometimes relationship with my legs... hey, we all have our insecurities)  - so hopefully I get that nonsense figured out and put some fun summer outfits together.  I'm craving beachy chic looks... something like this would suit me just fine!

(sunglasses - LOVE THESE!, belt, shorts, top, sandals, watch)

Have a fabulous weekend...

Check out these posts you may not have seen yet:

• a fun recipe to whip up with the kids!
• loving this Lo Bosworth look - perfect for summer!
• And don't forget to enter the giveaway for a Kate Spade bracelet!

the IT list... July 29, 2011!

Happy Friday again ladies!  Take some time to check out these awesome links this morning!

• little tin soldier looks fresh and summer-ready in these ultra feminine ruffles.  I am loving this look on her! (find little tin soldier on twitter!)
• 100 inspirations features this simple Cameron Diaz look for less... I could wear simple and modern looks like this each day! 
• sweetie pie style breathes new life into a family heirloom.  Check out her play by play of refinishing a dining room table - and the gorgeous "after" photos as well! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• fabulously average takes inspiration from a favorite blogger when she recreates this twirly outfit! How fun! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl is galavanting through the streets of London (lucky gal!) - check out her cute outfit and her tips on blending in like a local! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• the style dossier whips up a super sweet hair tutorial that is perfect for summer.  Check out their awesome step by step photos! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy shares a jaw-droppingly gorgeous macaroon shop in Mexico.  Put a visit to this place on your bucket list. Wow! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• gs lillian does pink and black together like no other gal. Seriously... check out this amazing outfit and accessories! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• good tots rounds up fun kitchen and party accessories from Etsy... I am in love with these fun straws!
• good life for less is celebrating her birthday by giving away a fun and celebratory Kate Spade bracelet!  Stop by to check it out and enter! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life for less, for information on how you can be involved... click here!

birthday giveaway!

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED! A WINNER WILL BE CONTACTED!

In honor of my birthday I'm giving away this fun and fantastic, celebration inducing "make a day of it" Kate Spade bracelet!  Doesn't this just make you want to kick your heels up and party!?!?

And of course... it's easy to enter!

(but be sure to follow these steps!)

• Click "follow"or "join this site" in the left hand column over there if you haven't already!
• Just leave a comment! (birthday wishes will NOT be turned away - wink, wink!)
• Include your email with your comment if you really, really want to win! (sometimes blogger is tricky and won't let me see your email address when I try to notify you if you've won, don't worry, I won't use your address for anything else!)
• For an additional entry you may... tweet about this giveaway! (leave an additional comment)
• For an additional entry you may... share this giveaway on Facebook! (leave an additional comment)
• For an additional entry you may... share this giveaway on your blog! (leave an additional comment)
• I'll leave comments open through the weekend!  Good luck!

my outfit: mmmmm... stripes!

I had to run into Forever 21 quickly recently for a new pair of sandals... I'm not much for buying items like sandals in the middle of the summer (I like to be prepared!) but unfortunately a very, very favorite pair of mine died an untimely death.  (these. moment of silence. thanks.)  Any way... there were stripes EVERY WHERE in that store and sheesh, I just can't say no to a good stripe.  So this little top came home with me.  It would be my fifth striped shirt.  I guess I like stripes.  Are you as obsessed as I am?

I think I could wear stripes everyday... so effortless!  Is there one style you could wear everyday?  Stripes? Other?

In other news... you know I always love to share new things that I am loving lately...  if you are the working out type you absolutely MUST check out the NTC iPhone app from Nike.  I originally didn't realize that is was only for women (I made my hubby do some of the workouts with me!).  Either way... these workouts ROCK and you will feel half dead and 100% alive after doing them.  WOW!  Plus, I love that you don't really need to be at the gym for them.  Use cans of beans or tomatoes instead of hand weights and one of your kids soccer balls instead of a medicine ball.

In other news.... told ya I was loving on these earrings!

Details:
Top, Forever 21 (similar)
Vintage Flare Jeans, Gap (similar)
Wedges, Olsonboye via JCPenney gift card
Earrings, House of Harlow (similar, mine are black) via GILT

Check out what's going on at my other blogs!

• Pawn the kids off on dad for this fun outdoor activity (plus, adorable photos of my kiddos... if I do say so myself!)
• Check out this simple Cameron Diaz look for less... simple jeans always do it for me!
• Also, check out my fun guest post at My Favorite Things on closet organization for busy moms!

fall sneaks...

 What's better than fall fashion? Not much... well, relatively speaking, that is.  I can't wait to get my hands on whatever is new and hot for fall - as always.  And from the sounds of it... neither can you! I've already gotten multiple requests for the fall looks:book...  and I'm on it folks! I promise!  Plan on mid-August...

In the meantime, here are a few fall pieces I've seen popping up at retailers.  So far for the fall I am forecasting bright colors toned down with seasonal neutrals and a touch of prep and menswear to sneak in as well.

("&" sweater, gingham top, blazer, tasseled loafers, stacked bracelets, red satchel, vest)

(maxi dress, nail polish, leopard scarf, sweater, polka dot top, red flats, bracelet)

my outfit: unoriginal.

We've entered into the unoriginal portion of my wardrobe styling skills.  This portion includes jeans and black tops in plenty, hair pulled back (always) and my boring backyard for endless amounts of photos.  Can you handle the excitement?

Black is my fall back. Do you have a fall back? I knew a girl once that only wore white tops. Seriously.  Isn't that crazy? Sometimes white cardigans over white t-shirts.  It worked for her. It did.  And I could surely wear black everyday.  In fact I'm pretty sure there was a time when I did.  At one point I was trying to "hide" a pregnancy from an employer.  Well, not "hide", just not "admit".  Black works for that.  But in general I don't recommend keeping secrets.

I do, however, recommend the new fun nail polish trend... painting your ring finger a different color than your other nails.  As seen above.  Then I'm so "type A" that I make my toes match my ring finger.

I know this outfit isn't super summery, but like I said, I'm not feeling very original and also I just FREEZE in air conditioning.  The dairy section at the grocery store this time of year is my nemesis.  My kids are the same way, you should see us all dash through there as fast as we can.

But the joke was on me this past weekend... I wore this to a birthday party that was NOT air conditioned and that involved a lot of bouncy houses (for the kids... not me!).  I was sweltering.  Lesson learned.  Be afraid, very afraid of air conditioning... but certainly not if it involves bouncy houses.

Details:
Cardigan, Old Navy (similar)
Top, Gap (similar)
Earrings, House of Harlow (similar, mine are black) via GILT - I'm obsessed with these, haven't taken them off in four days!
Sandals, Forever 21 (similar)
Nail Polish, Masquerade Belle on toes & ring fingers, Barefoot and Topless on other fingers
Cross-body Purse, Coach (similar)

Check out what's going on at my other blogs today!

• Loving this risqué Katie Holmes look for less - plus, a more practical way to wear it!
• Adorable baking and kitchen supplies for kids parties and more on Etsy! Suuuuuper cute!

what to wear: fairs & festivals!

Good old hometown fairs are one of my most favorite activities in the summer... there is one in particular a town over that is a 4-H fair that I look forward to attending each summer.  It's hot and sweaty and the animals smell to high heaven, but the kids have a blast immersing themselves in the farm life for a day (so do I!) and the food can't be beat.  Fresh squeezed lemonade with a pound of sugar in each cup, classic corn dogs, fresh cut Idaho potato french fries fried to perfection and an elephant ear to top it all off makes me - and my family - happy as can be!  It's American tradition at it's finest...

(above: dress, sunglasses, ring, nail polish, sandals, purse, tank, plaid top, shorts)

(above: hat, jeans, boots, earrings, gem ring, nail polish, floral tank, pink tank, handbag)

Tilt-a-whirl any one?

my outfit: simple formula!

I absolutely love simple and fresh formulas for outfits. Take this outfit for example, what a no-brainer.  The short shorts and the loose top are a perfect combo for the high temps and ridiculous humidity.  And a fun necklace like this one makes me feel dressed up all day... even if I have no where very important to go.

For fall or a summer evening this outfit would be twice as nice with wide leg jeans or with skinny jeans and flats.  Come to think of it... I totally want to recreate this outfit with wide leg jeans.  Hmmmm.... stay tuned.

Oh, and hello! I actually have hair!  I know... I finally pulled my hair down from the top knot and decided to put the 'ole curling iron to it.  I have taken all of your input on my bangs to heart... I am just going to let them grow out for now... so they are WAY on the long side.  But I'll make a better decision in the fall.  I always love having you snappy ladies to bounce ideas off of.

Speaking of hair... ever since I got the ombre style my hair was seriously fried from all the color.  But I've brought it back super healthy and soft feeling with this awesome leave-in conditioner and this shampoo and conditioner on my hair.  Seriously, I have like brand new hair. It's awesome.  Plus I am only washing every two to three days, so that helps too.

Details:
Top, H&M (similar)
Necklace, H&M (similar)
Shorts, DIY'd (similar)
Wedges, Olsonboy courtesy of JCPenney giftcard

Check out what's up on my other blogs today!

• love, love, love this Cameron Diaz outfit recreated on a budget. Love.
• January Jones looks absolutely FABULOUS pregnant, I love her style.  If you are expecting... get her looks!

celebrate! (summer party-style)

I'm in a celebratory mood this week!  To kick things off this week I rolled out a fun new blog header and layout to celebrate my "birthday week"! And to keep the fun rolling I've got some summer party-style outfits for you...

I can definitely picture me sporting one of these fun and flirty dresses while sipping champagne for my big day!

(above: dress, necklace, ring, nail polish, sandals)

(above: dress, sunglasses, bangles, wedges, necklace)

Oh, and don't forget to stay tuned for a SUPER fabulous giveaway later this week.  Yep, that's right, it's my birthday and I'm the one giving away the gifts!  Stay tuned...

summer advertising specials!

Do you have a small business, medium size business, new business or blog that you want to get the word out about!?!? Consider advertising with good life for less!  I have a large and loyal following that is growing everyday that would love to hear about you!

Fall is coming and the web will be buzzing with the latest and greatest in fashions, lifestyle and more... so jump in now while I have summer specials running!

Ad sizes are 250x250 pixels or 125x125 pixels and are on sale now... on top of reduced prices, all buttons are buy three months, get one free!  What a deal!  In addition to that your site will be featured in my monthly sponsor spotlight posts!  Email me now for rates and stats!

obsessed with: satchels!

I'm obsessed with satchels for fall!  They are one part 'back to school cool' and another part 'urban chic'... I'm hoping to add one to my repertoire soon!

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what to wear: weekend!

I admit it... I'm a season-change junkie.  I get to this part of summer and I wish and will it to be fall.  I get antsy in spring for it to be summer. In winter for it to be spring. And even (gasp!) in fall for that first snow of winter to arrive.

Why all the rushing?!?! Am I the only one?  I reminded myself to stop and slow down this morning... there is still plenty of summer to enjoy, including our big beach trip of the year and some other fun stuff.  And hello - the best part of summer for me - my birthday is this coming week!  Yay for summer birthdays!

So today I am going to embrace the hot temps, the searing sun and the glorious humidity (we beg for this stuff come February!).  Here is the perfect summery weekend outfit... according to me.

(bracelet, skirt, top, sandals, earrings)

p.s. be sure to check out my personal My Little H Spot (Happy Spot!) on MLHP today! It's good!

the IT list... July 22, 2011!

Happy Friday peeps! I hope you are staying cool these days... stay inside and discover some great new blogs with all these fun links! Enjoy!

• gs lillian uses two men's neckties as a belt - this is so cute and fun idea for raiding your guys closet! Or the mens section in your favorite store or thrift shop! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy brings you gorgeous beach photos... does the beach ever get old? Never.  That's what I say! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• johns journal had her handsome, handsome baby boy this week... bop on over and give her some sweet words! (find johns journal on twitter!)
• alisha of alisha and brandon gives tips to style bloggers on how to do your own photos... especially helpful when your live-in photographer (or otherwise) isn't available!  Check out her tips! (find alisha and brandon on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style devotes a whole week of her blog to her kitchen... stop by to see the "befores" and give your two cents on her selections. She has a very fun project in the works! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• little tin soldier mixes yellow and leopard print. I suddenly wish I had more of both in my closet - gorgeous! (find little tin soldier on twitter!)
• simply stylish mom is giving away one of these adorable wall flags... stop by to check them out and enter to win! (find simply stylish mom on twitter!)
• verbal melange is going on a Financial Diet and she's encouraging you to join her - stop by to see what it's all about! (find verbal melange on twitter!)
• the style dossier takes three sisters who each style up the same dress... see how they do it!  This is so fun! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• fabulously average calls this outfit "corporate chic" - I love that! I remember working in a business office in the summers and finding it difficult to look profession and keep cool She does it! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl shows off this awesome thrifted skirt in bold red!  What a fun color for summer. (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• good life for less contemplates what's appropriate wear for summer outdoor activities... check it out! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less, for more information on how to be involved... click here!

my outfit: dang it's hot.

What is there really to say? It's DAMN hot out there. But I'll take it over snow any day. (by the way... snow!?!?) I just hope you all are staying nice and cool.  My kids still think it's a good idea to play outside (wha!??!) - I however haven't even ventured to the pool lately.  A travesty. I know. (white whine as Jackie would say.) (sidenote - seriously check out white whine if you haven't already).

I have however been seriously rocking these leggings quite a bit (there are another pair of sweats that I can't seem to say no to... but I don't know if those are blog worthy).  My old pair was, well... old. And I just love how SUPER black this new pair is. Holla!

I wore this outfit all day around the house all day including: working, answering every demand from my children (well, not really, it just feels like it some days), playing WAY too much Just Dance for Wii with my 6 year old (hello! fun!) and putting my feet up with some magazines while the kids sweated it out in the yard.  I also ran to Walgreens, but that hardly counts. That place is just weird. (Am I the only one with a weird Walgreens in my 'hood?)

Then I made dinner from almost all farmers market goods (ohhhhhhh summer, how I love thee) and then caught up on sermons online because we've been skipping church all summer. Oops.

I don't know why I felt compelled to recount my day to you.  I told you I am bad at small talk.

Details:
T-shirt, Gap (similar)
Striped Button Up, H&M (similar)
Leggings, H&M (similar)
Watch, Michael Kors
Flats, Old Navy (similar)

Check out what's happening on my other blogs!

• You will love this Rachel Bilson look for less!
• Christina, one of the fab contributors to good tots, has a big announcement and fun iPhone apps for kids!

snippets: outfits!

Every couple of weeks or so I will go into my closet (seen here) and experiment with putting pieces together or just doing some outfit prep.  Usually I like to have three or four outfits laid out and then over the next few days or weeks I use them as inspiration or I switch them up depending on my mood or the weather.  

The tricky part of getting dressed each morning and being a stay at home mom (ahem, work at home mom) is that every day doesn't really call for an "outfit" - a lot of times it just calls for plain old clothes.  This is even more true in the summer when tanks, shorts and swimsuits take priority over nice tops and fun jeans.

The other night I had a ton of fun mixing and matching and coming up with new variations on my existing wardrobe... I thought I would take some fun pictures to show you what I have cooking.  Use them as inspiration for your own closet if you like! (check out links for similar items)

(pink top, orange cardi, super dark jeans)

(grey jeans, vintage scarf, orange top)

(white cut-offs, striped top, pink blazer)

(jean cut offs, simple white button-up, bold necklace)

(red pants, striped top, lots of gold bangles)

all photos by me on instagram.

ps, I am working on doing an updated closet post soon... as the last post is a little out of date.
pps, I am also thinking of doing a "shop my closet" post.  So if you wear small or x-small and you've seen  something you might like to have as your own from my closet, stay tuned!

my outfit: yellow + green!

Heat wave!  It looks like the whole country is suffering through these unbearable temps right now... man! It's hot!  This simple tank is light as air, so it was perfect for keeping me cool while I was running errands the other day.   Usually I'm not a huge fan of these pants... I don't know why. But for some reason they were perfect.  More lightweight than jeans... but still warm enough to keep me sane in the crazy air conditioning.

And forget even doing my hair... I was sweating for a good half hour after just blow drying my hair!  There was no way I was bringing a curling iron or flat iron to it... uggh!

I've been trying to talk my kids into laying around and watching movies or reading.  Guess what they think of that idea? Yeah, I'm pretty much going solo on that one.

Are you keeping cool?

Details:
Top, Target (similar)
Pants, Old Navy (similar)
Sandals, Forever 21 (similar)
Earrings & Bracelet, courtesy of Towne & Reese

Check out what's going on at my other blogs today!

• I just threw my daughter a Cupcake-themed birthday party - it was SO fun! Check it out!
• Cameron Diaz looks fresh and modern in this simple shirt dress - get the look for less!

street style inspired!

Sometimes you can't predict what the trends are going to be... you just have to go with the flow and follow the savy street style bloggers.  Here are a few trends I am loving lately, all courtesy of street style inspiration!

(neon nail polish, 'nerd' glasses, beige blazer, friendship bracelets, tied tops, satchels)

Nerd Glasses...

Source: fashionising.com via Jill on Pinterest

Neon Nail Polish...

Source: goodlifeforless.blogspot.com via Jill on Pinterest

Friendship Bracelets...

Source: honestlywtf.com via Jill on Pinterest

Beige Blazers & Satchels...

Source: mackenziehoran.com via Jill on Pinterest

Tied Button-up Tops...

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Jill on Pinterest